Which of the following factors causes a movement along the demand curve?

• A. A change in consumer preferences
• B. A change in the price of a substitute good
• C. A change in the price of the good itself
• D. A change in consumer income

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the difference between a movement along the demand curve and a shift of the demand curve. A movement along the demand curve occurs when the price of the good itself changes, affecting the quantity demanded.
2. Recognize that factors such as changes in consumer preferences, income, or the price of substitute goods cause the entire demand curve to shift either left or right, rather than causing movement along the curve.
3. Identify that a change in the price of the good itself leads to a change in quantity demanded, which is represented as a movement along the existing demand curve.
4. Recall the law of demand, which states that, ceteris paribus, as the price of a good decreases, the quantity demanded increases, and vice versa, illustrating movement along the demand curve.
5. Conclude that among the options given, only a change in the price of the good itself causes a movement along the demand curve, while the other factors cause shifts of the demand curve.